peritonsillar cellulitis
Last reviewed 01/2018
Peritonsillar cellulitis is recognised in general practice as a precursor of a peritonsillar abscess (quinsy). The patient may have many of the features of a quinsy as the two conditions may overlap. The cellulitis may be bilateral. It usually responds to oral antibiotics if promptly treated.
The patient should be reviewed to decide if a routine tonsillectomy is indicated. If the clinician is uncomfortable with distinguishing it from a quinsy it should be managed as a peritonsillar abscess.